Tips for Dining, Eating and Food Shopping in the South
Start New ThreadGoing to be there for a workshop this weekend and all meals are provided except Friday lunch and Sunday evening. Solo; I'm not vegetarian, but lean heavily in that direction and like most everything. Thanks for any pointers.
By SweetPea
on Jul 29, 2009 02:49 PM
Video
How to Chop an Onion Without Crying
Recipe
Sazerac Jelly Shots
Video
How to Quickly Cook Pasta in a Frying Pan
Recipe
Ramos Gin Fizz Jelly Shots
Story
Fried Food Won't Kill You—Maybe
Story
The Dark Side of Backyard Chickens
View »
well, you may already know that everyone goes to Smith House in Dahlonega for lunch. It's southern, served family style. It's not the greatest ever, but it's not bad and you'll be full! They will probably put you at a table w/ other people, so as a solo diner you might like that (or not)
Sorry, no help for dinner. Will you be driving back toward Columbia that night?
Permalink | Reply
Hi danna! Not headed back that night. I have the good fortune to meet up with someone in Sautee Naoochee who has a cabin on property with a stream so I'm bringing a flyrod. : )
We may knock around Helen a bit, any ideas there? I'll head back to Columbia Tuesday afternoon. Any ideas for the trip home?
I will probably skip Smith House for lunch. The workshop is 2 - 10 on Friday and I think a belly full of Smith House might make for a sleepy afternoon.
Permalink | Reply
that's funny , i was thinking the same thing when i typed Smith House. I have litterally had to get up and throw water on my face and smack myself around after a nice lunch in the middle of a conference on derivatives.
The only food I have ever even vaguely enjoyed on my N. Georgia outings has been at Brasstown Valley Resort up in Hiawasee. They have a prime rib buffet...but I think it's Sat night. The Fri night buffet was seafood, and it wasn't bad...but as you might imagine n. ga is not a seafood mecca. I don't know if they have a Sunday night buffet. There is a wine trail in the N. Ga area you might look into.
No ideas in Helen. Wish I could be more help. I don't know how you'll come home, but there is something in the Belton Honea Path area everyone talks about...i'll try to remember and get back to you. OR, if you wanted to detour through the Highlands/Cashiers area, there are several choices, I like Paoletti's for Italian. I also hear there is a new restaurant in Cashiers called Canyons-something that stole the chef from Blackberry farm.
Permalink | Reply
http://www.gritsandgroceries.com/
Here you go. I haven't been, but it gets good reviews here on CH. You could get off 85 in Anderson, cruise through Belton and then hook up w/ 26. Let us know where you wind up. Reviews for dining in the sticks are few and far between. ;-)
Permalink | Reply
Hummm... I see g&g closes at 2 so that might be too late for me but I'll go that way if I leave early enough. Don't really want to go as far as Highlands.
Permalink | Reply
Hi, SweetPea! Stop by g&g if you do get the chance. SO and I were there in March for Saturday brunch. Had some very good fried oysters and SO had French toast which she quite enjoyed. It won't change your life but it is an interesting place.
Permalink | Reply
Here's a thread that may be helpful:
www.chowhound.com/topics/554086
Permalink | Reply
We spent the weekend in the area over Memorial Day. Enjoyed visiting several of the wineries (not CA, but much better than I thought they might be). Wolf Mtn had the best wines and several options for noshes. The house-smoked salmon spread was good.
We also had dinner at Montaluce Vineyards. Someone's (likely with more money than sense) boom-era idea of a way to make big bucks. Build an Italianate subdivision on the west side of Dahlonega. Plant a gi-normous villa/winery/restaurant at one end. The reality is that they only built 10-12 gaudy Sbarro-mansions ("Mc" just Italian) before the bottom fell out. That said, the facility really is nice (ignore the winemaking promo video projected on the wall of the "show cask" room). And the Sunday night recession special at the restaurant was a great deal (IIRC, $25 for 3 courses) and one of the better meals I've had in ATL or anywhere else. Don't know if they're still running the deal- and I think they got a new chef right after we ate there.
Permalink | Reply
Zip. Nothing to report. I took a sandwich with me Friday as I left late. The plans afterwards fell apart and I ended up in Suwanee, GA. I ate with friends at Ted & Nick's BBQ and it was OK and pricey with service that made you raise your eyebrow as you eyed the check. The workshop food however, was fantastic. I'll remember the g&g though next time I go to Gainesville. I love fried oysters cpt!
Permalink | Reply
Better to go with someone, I think. SO and I drove up one Saturday for brunch. I'd wait until the weather moderates some as there was a wait for a seat when we were there and that meant sitting outside or in your car. The oysters were a seasonal offering and quite good.
Permalink | Reply
With someone? Why is that, Cpt? I would be going to Gainesville for business and alone.....
Permalink | Reply
That's just me. I find it more fun to share an experience like G&G. Being solo isn't a show stopper though.
Permalink | Reply
I'm too late for this thread, but in case someone happens upon it in a search in the future, I just wanted to add "The Corkscrew Cafe" as one of the best places in Dahlonega to eat.
Permalink | Reply
I was down in Dahlonega again this weekend and ate a Gabee's Cajun Kitchen twice. It's on the main square, and the shrimp and grits are awesome. I ordered them both times I went, and the second time got some delicious frog legs as well.
Permalink | Reply